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ECU Graduate Certificates in Special Education

Graduate certificates offer additional training in specialty areas and greatly enhance student knowledge and credentials. Students may pursue the ECU Special Education (SPED) graduate certificates as a part of a master's program or independently as a non-degree graduate program. ECU SPED offers four separate graduate certificates: Assistive Technology, Autism, Behavior Specialist, and Deafblindness. These certificates require 12 semester hours of coursework, all offered online. Transfer credits from institutions other than ECU may NOT be used toward certificate completion. Please click on the certificate title below to see course requirements and enrollment information.

Assistive technology refers to a wide range of devices, strategies, services, and practices that are created and applied to improve the functional performance or life satisfaction of any individual with a disability. The ECU
Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology is for teachers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, recreational therapists, rehabilitation counselors, physical therapists, engineers or any professional that may use knowledge or skills to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Autism is a developmental disability that affects approximately 1.5 million Americans and their families today (Autism Society of America). The ECU
Graduate Certificate in Autism offers professionals the opportunity to learn more about this complex issue and how to effectively and collaboratively serve students with autism in the public school setting. This certificate program is taught through distance education, and all courses are offered on-line.

The
Behavior Specialist Certificate program provides educators and other professionals with best practice, research-based knowledge and skills necessary to work with individuals, with or without disabilities, who are at risk in schools and other environments because of emotional, behavioral, or social challenges. Candidates will learn to demonstrate and apply thorough knowledge of characteristics of individuals with emotional, behavioral, and social challenges; implement multi-tiered positive behavior interventions and supports, including individualized strategies across environments; and develop collaborative support plans with stakeholders, including teachers, families, and community service providers.

The ECU
Graduate Certificate in Deafblindness is based on nationally recognized competencies, reviewed by ECU faculty, the National Consortium on Deafblindness, and educators and family members. This certificate program is taught through distance education, and all courses are offered on-line.

East Carolina University| College of Education | Special Education, Foundations & Research